Chancellor Merkel spoke at length about the important role the United States has played in Germany’s economic rise, mentioning the Marshall Plan and the U.S. role in promoting German reunification.

Merkel called for focusing on political solutions to crises in Syria, Libya and Ukraine.

Importantly, Merkel said that beyond the Ukraine issue, it is important to improve relations with Russia.

While it is clear that the two heads of state do not agree on many issues, particularly when it comes to refugee assistance, the Chancellor did say, however, that in their meeting there was a “very good exchange of ideas.”

Both German and American reporters were able to ask a few questions of the two leaders. On the American side, questions about Trump’s style were asked to Merkel and questions about the AHCA to Trump.

The German press was much more pointed in its questioning, asking Merkel about Trump’s previous comments about the European Union. To Trump, they asked about the wiretapping claims and about the announcement by the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Tillerson Visits Japan, South Korea and China

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has been traveling in Asia. He arrived first in Japan, where he held a number of meetings and spoke of a need to take “different approach” to North Korea.

Tillerson added that the military option is on the table when dealing with North Korea. This language prefaces the possibility of a preemptive strike on North Korea to quell their nuclear program.

He is now in Seoul, South Korea and heads next to Beijing, China.

Of particular interest is that this trip has ended a decades long tradition of the Secretary of State taking with him a pool of reporters. On this trip to Asia, the Secretary has accommodated only one reporter, from the Independent Journal Review.